Best sport coverage by an individual – written

This award recognises an individual who has delivered exceptional written coverage of sport in print or online media during the nomination period. Entries should demonstrate responsible and well-researched coverage and provide a detailed and innovative insight into sport.

2022 Winner

Peter Badel, News Corp

Peter Badel, opens in a new tab broke several exclusives and covered major events over the past year. They included the tragic death of NRL coach Paul Green where he secured an exclusive interview with Green's mother, NRL legend Ray Price's battle with dementia, boxer George Kambosos' stunning world-title win and the Dolphins winning the NRL's newest expansion license. Badel balances innovation with breaking news and insightful story telling.

Finalists

Emma Kemp, The Guardian

As Guardian Australia’s deputy sport editor and lead sports writer, Emma Kemp, opens in a new tab has spent the year interviewing, analysing and investigating a variety of sports, issues and athletes across feature writing, match reporting and news. Her stories included concussion in sport, features and news reporting from the Australian Open, the Socceroos’ path through FIFA World Cup qualification and profiles of people in sport from sailing to pigeon racing.

Amanda Shalala, ABC

Amanda Shalala’s written coverage for ABC Sport, opens in a new tab online is dedicated to elevating the voices of people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. In covering major events such as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, she explored issues such as mental health and the challenges faced by para athletes, the push for LGBTQI+ inclusion, female athlete health and fertility issues and more.

Julian Linden, News Corp

Julian Linden, opens in a new tab's work shines a light on dark areas of sport and starts conversations on often uncomfortable and divisive issues. In 2022 he led coverage on topics including FINA’s changes to transgender rules in swimming, integrity issues, an exclusive interview with Greg Norman, Jovak Djokovic’s visa controversy, sponsorship and ‘sportswashing’.